Salary Arrears and Service Issues Remain Key Concerns
The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association (KGMCTA) has postponed its proposed protest meeting from Monday to Wednesday as discussions with the state government continue. The decision was taken in view of ongoing negotiations regarding long-pending salary arrears and service-related grievances of medical college faculty.
Talks With Government Yet to Conclude
According to reports, discussions are currently underway on releasing pending salary dues and improving hospital standards. However, a scheduled meeting with Dr. Rajan N Khobragade, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, could not take place on Monday. The next round of talks is now expected to be held on Wednesday.
Salary Arrears File Awaiting Final Clearance
KGMCTA leaders stated that the file approving salary arrears has already been cleared by senior officials in the Finance, Health, and Law departments. Despite this, the proposal has reportedly reached the finance minister twice without any final decision being taken.
Appeal to Chief Minister for Intervention
In a joint statement, state president Dr. Rosnara Beegum T and general secretary Dr. Aravind C S expressed concern over the delay. They said that although the chief minister had earlier assured doctors that he would discuss the matter with the finance minister, no further update has been communicated. The association has urged immediate intervention to facilitate a favourable resolution.
Warning of Intensified Agitation
The doctors have cautioned that if the government fails to act promptly, they will intensify their agitation. As part of the next phase, faculty members may relinquish additional responsibilities such as serving as nodal officers and coordinators of various government health projects.
March to DME Office Announced
In a parallel development, government doctors in Kerala had announced plans to march to the office of the Director of Medical Education (DME). The protest is aimed at highlighting allegations that authorities are attempting to suppress the ongoing indefinite agitation instead of addressing the core issues.
Hunger Strike and Disruption of Services
The agitation has already impacted medical services in some institutions, with reports indicating that a hunger strike by medical college doctors has entered its 30th day. The prolonged protest has led to disruptions in patient care, raising concerns among the public.
Allegations of Government Apathy
In its statement, KGMCTA alleged continued apathy on the part of the state government in resolving service condition disputes and pay anomalies affecting medical college faculty. The association reiterated that unless concrete steps are taken soon, the agitation will be further intensified in the coming days.
